Inter Miami beats NYCFC 2-0 and clinches an MLS playoff spot
A Messi pass to Rodrigo De Paul in first-half stoppage time sealed the win that puts Miami in the MLS playoffs with five regular-season games left.
Rodrigo De Paul scored Inter Miami's second goal in first-half stoppage time, at 45'+5', off a pass from Lionel Messi, and that settled the match against New York City FC. The 2-0 final on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Nu Stadium in Miami Gardens clinched a place in the MLS playoffs for Miami, according to AP.
The first goal came in the 20th minute. Germán Berterame opened the scoring and reached eight goals for the season. Messi, besides his assist, had two unsuccessful tries and saw goalkeeper Matt Freese stop a shot of his around the 83rd minute. Miami started in a 4-3-3 with Messi and Luis Suárez up front, according to the ESPN match page.
Late in the game, the referee awarded a penalty against Miami. Dayne St. Clair saved Nicolás Fernández's shot and kept a clean sheet for the second match in a row.
Where Miami stands
After matchday 29, Miami has 14 wins, 10 losses and 5 draws, for 52 points and second place in the standings, according to ESPN. Leader Nashville SC has 66. NYCFC has 33 points and sits 10th.
Miami had beaten D.C. United 4-0 the previous Saturday. It is the team's second straight win, something it had not done since July, according to AP. Head coach Cristian "Kily" González took over on Sept. 16 and now has two league wins.
AP and MDZ both mention an assist by Suárez but the sources do not agree on which goal it was, so that detail is unconfirmed. What comes next is the end of the regular season: Miami has five games left, according to MDZ.
